The Daily Record claim Barton and his partner have gone away for a short break as the midfielder decides whether to accept Rangers’ offer or pledge his immediate future to Burnley.

It is said Ibrox manager Mark Warburton hopes to have an answer from the former England international before this weekend’s Scottish Cup final against Hibernian.

Barton, who remained in Glasgow on Sunday to play golf with Rangers striker Kenny Miller, has been in talks over a new deal with newly-promoted Burnley after helping them return to the Premier League at the first attempt.

But Barton is out of contract in the summer, and without a firm agreement in place with Burnley, his future remains up in the air.

Burnley manager Sean Dyche revealed on Sky Sports’ Goals on Sunday programme that Rangers’ pursuit of a midfielder who is “not cheap” reflected their ambition.

“It shows their intentions if they see it as viable, they must be backed well,” Dyche said.

The Championship winners had been willing to offer the 33-year-old a one-year deal as well as another crack at the Premier League.

The former Manchester City, Newcastle, QPR and Marseille star will have to weigh that up against the more long-term contract on offer from Rangers.

Barton has been a revelation for Burnley this season as they secured promotion to the Premier League. He made 40 appearances and was named the club’s player of the year in what was a persona and collective triumph.

Speculation that Barton could be heading for a career swansong with Rangers initially met with scepticism last week in Glasgow, where supporters appreciate that more wealthy clubs down south can offer Barton a more lucrative package.